ANDOVER Town’s hopes of making the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, melted away on Saturday as they lost at home to Cadbury Heath 2-1.

The Bristol-based Western League Premier outfit inflicted Town’s first defeat of the season.

The visitors have a good record in recent cup competitions against Wessex League opponents and it was not difficult to see why.

They defended well always broke quickly and had enough pace at the front to give the Andover a busy afternoon.

The Andover starting line-up was unchanged from their midweek victory against Amesbury and they started well in front of a crowd of 300 plus.

A crowded penalty area was an indication of what lay ahead as Andover created a couple of half chances before they gained a corner with 10 minutes gone.

Liam Hibberd’s kick was directed toward the far post where Conner Cocklin’s header went back across the goal into the net.

It could be argued that the most pivotal moment of the game for Andover came when they were awarded a free-kick around 20 yards out and Mike Gosney’s shot struck a post.

It was therefore somewhat ironical that soon after another free-kick lead to the visitors equaliser.

This one was swung into the Andover area and Sacha Tong found enough space to plant his header beyond Lloyd Thomas.

As Half Time approached a good effort from Shane Lock looked on target, but took a deflection to safety and the appeal for handball was overruled.

Soon after the resumption the visitors took a decisive lead, when Kristman Lee scored the vital second goal.

This was after a quick attack by Heath, which left Andover outnumbered at the back.

Twice in quick succession Thomas prevented the deficit increasing and soon after he again saved well as Lee searched for his second goal of the afternoon.

For the last 20 minutes or so Town kept Cadbury inside their own area and with all 10 outfield players defending there was little room left to park the team bus.

Andover struggled to break them down and Alex Dockree had a couple of opportunities but was unable to find the small space he needed.

The visitors did manage a couple of breakaways which came to nothing, but for Andover the damage was already done.

Town are in cup action again on Wednesday night at Alresford in the Hampshire Senior Cup and then on Saturday they travel to Horndean for a first round tie in the FA Vase.

Four cup ties in 10 days is completed on Tuesday, when they are once again on their travels to Petersfield in the opening round of the Wessex League Cup.